Remote isn't just in-person online
In design, skeuomorphism is when something retains the form of its predecessor even though the function isn't there. Think pretend rotary dial on a digital phone, or ornamental buttresses.
The first phase of any new tech tends to do this. We slap the old awkwardly onto the new. It's often a worse experience than the old forms and a diminished version of what's possible with the new. PDFs are a clunky transition between paper and paperless, and most people would rather have either physical paper or a fully digital interface than a scanned PDF.
We're early in the remote-work world. So far, we've mostly seen attempts to cram old forms - events, coffee meetings, etc. - into webcams and chats. It works reasonably, but something is missing.
What might truly remote-first, digitally-native experiences and communities look like?
A new role emerging?
Scott Brinker just shared a job posting for a Platform Ecosystem Advocate role at HubSpot.
The description sounds a lot like something that was predicted as part of the Trifurcated Channel.
Check out the description:

Expect to see a lot more of this type of role popping up.
It's not enough to simply have a partner program. You've gotta give it some real love!
Question of the Day
Gut-check moment:
— PartnerHacker (@Partner_Hacker) February 18, 2022
If your customers had a party, would they invite you?
Invite others to this party!
PhD is too fun to keep to yourself. Share this email with someone who has already taken the partner pill, or someone who needs to.